Dr. Katherine Montgomery
Dr. Katherine Montgomery 
Full Name:  Katherine W. Montgomery
     Died:  October 1, 1958, Tallahassee, Fla.

Legacy Bricks:  Legacy Walk Map Link
   1977 Adminsitrator HOF - Loc 65


FSU Career
Coaches & Administrators

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Member of the FSU Hall of Fame
Elected into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1977
"Miss Katie" was the most important force in women's athletics at Florida State for 40 years. In 1918, as a FSCW senior, she was president of the Athletic Association and named the college's outstanding all-around athlete. She began a teaching career that same year continuing for forty years until her retirement in 1958. She developed a renowned intramural athletic program and was nationally known for her efforts in developing the sport of volleyball. Montgomery Gym, affectionately called "Miss Katie's Gym" and home of the Tarpon Club and intramural games, was named in her honor. The building was rededicated in 2004 as Katherine W. Montgomery Hall and houses the world renowned FSU Dance program.
Obituary for Katherine Montgomery
From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 1, 1958, page 5.

Dr. Montgomery Dies In Hospital

By the Associated Press

Dr. Katherine W. Montgomery, who had taught physical fitness to two generations of Florida women, died today in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Death was attributed to cancer.

Miss Katie, as Dr. Montgomery was known to thousands of graduates of the Florida State Women's College and its successor, Florida State University, was 64.

A native of Gonzales, Tex., Dr. Montgomery was graduated from the Florida State Women's College in 1918. She received her doctorate from Columbia University.

Named to Staff

She was appointed to the physical education staff of the Florida State Women's College in 1920 and became head of the department in 1923. When Florida State University supplanted the women's college in 1947 she was named head of the women's physical education department.

Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the First Presbyterian Church here. The body may be sent to North Carolina for burial.

Relatives have requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Katherine W. Montgomery Scholarship Fund. The fund, to provide scholarships for physical education students, was set up in 1955 by former students.

Survivors include a brother and two sisters.

Taught in Florida

Dr. Montgomery taught schools in Lafayette and Suwannee counties in Florida before coming to FSCW. While as undergraduate student, she served as an assistant in physical education and in 1923 she became head of the newly organized department.

Through the years her department received many honors and she received several personal honors. The National Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation designated her a Fellow. In 1955 alumnae gave her a plaque and in 1957 she was selected for honorary membership in Garnet Key, women's service organization.

She has served as president of the FSCW Alumnae Association, president of the Southern Assn. for Physical Education for College Women, was a member of the executive board of the National Physical Education Assn. and is a former president of the Southern Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She is a former member and chairman of the Tallahassee Recreation Board.



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